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Vanderbilt students suspended, arrested after attacking officer at pro-Palestine sit-in

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TND) — A group of Vanderbilt University students were suspended from the school Wednesday after attacking a police officer during a pro-Palestine sit-in event, a university spokesperson told The National Desk (TND).

Early Wednesday, students entered the university's Kirkland Hall, which was closed for construction. The sit-in was organized to demand the university allow students to vote on an amendment to the Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG) Constitution, according to campus paper The Vanderbilt Hustler. The amendment seeks to prevent any VSG funds from going to organizations disapproved of by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

BDS is a pro-Palestine organization and is fighting to stop international groups from supporting Israel. Tennessee law prevents public entities from creating contracts with companies participating in BDS.

Some of the students at the sit-in "physically assaulted" a "Community Service Officer" who confronted them, the spokesperson said. Campus staff then asked students to leave the building, which they allegedly refused.

READ MORE | Columbia professor slams student-organized 'Palestinian Resistance 101' event: 'Dangerous'

After informing the students their conduct violated university policy, staff threatened disciplinary action before issuing interim suspensions "after several hours." Students receiving an interim suspension are required to leave campus immediately and not return until further notice.

Three students received misdemeanor assault charges, while a fourth received vandalism charges, according to the university. A reporter attempting to enter the building was also arrested after also refusing to leave, but was later released without charges.

"This is an evolving situation," the spokesperson told TND. "The university will take action when our policies are violated, the safety of our campus is jeopardized and when people intimidate or injure members of our community."

In an additional statement Wednesday afternoon, the university told TND "another group of students protesters gathered outside the building this morning."

"The university will work with them to ensure they can remain consistent with the university's policies for peaceful demonstration," the spokesperson said.

The Vanderbilt Divest Coalition, a campus pro-Palestinian group, organized a fund to pay the bail of some of the students arrested.

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